Space Traffic Management

Op-ed | Conjunction risk drives need for information sharing
Space is busy and getting busier. Given the anticipated increased utilization of space largely in low Earth orbit, robust data dissemination of active satellite operations as well as orbital debris mitigation plans must be a part of international norms of space market access.

Congested orbits a top concern for U.S. Space Command
Gen. James Dickinson told lawmakers that congestion in space mostly fueled by commercial activity could create safety problems if it’s not managed.

Op-ed | The use of AI in space systems: opportunities for mission improvement
From analyzing the terrain on Mars to enhancing communications between satellites and ground communications, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing important role in space operations and exploration

NASA and SpaceX sign agreement on spaceflight safety
SpaceX has agreed to maneuver any of its Starlink satellites that come close to the International Space Station or other NASA spacecraft in low Earth orbit as part of an agreement between the agency and the company.

U.S. Space Command chief makes case for civilian space traffic control
Gen. James Dickinson said he supports the transfer of space traffic control to the Department of Commerce “where it can be better managed."

Op-ed | How to convince China and Russia to join a space traffic management program for peace and prosperity
The United States should take the lead in initiating a dual-track approach to developing both a Western and an International space traffic management regime in order to prevent China and Russia from normalizing potent anti-satellite capabilities in the name of debris-removal.

SpaceX’s record-setting rideshare mission a challenge for space traffic control
SpaceX's Transporter-1, a rideshare mission scheduled to launch Jan. 23 could set a new record for the most satellites ever launched in a single flight.

Space challenges for President Biden: Four issues for the next four years
As Joe Biden begins the first year of his presidency, there is still much we don’t know about where he and his vice president, Kamala Harris, stand on major issues in civil and national security space. There are, nonetheless, several key space issues the new administration will have to address.

Op-ed | Building on the Artemis Accords to address space sustainability
It’s past time for a multilateral agreement on the principles governing space traffic management and sustainability, writes Jennifer A. Manner.

Omnibus spending bill funds Commerce Department space traffic management work
The Commerce Department will be able to accelerate it work on space traffic management after Congress provided the agency with most, but not all, the funding it requested for that effort.

Comspoc embraces startup mentality after AGI spinoff
ow that it’s spun out of Analytical Graphics Inc., Comspoc operates more like a startup focused on space situational awareness, space domain awareness and space traffic coordination and management than a corporate business unit.

Space traffic management bill clears Senate committee
A Senate committee approved a bill Nov. 18 that gives the Commerce Department authority for civil space traffic management (STM), but it still faces significant obstacles to win passage in Congress this year.

Commerce Department drafting space traffic management concepts as it awaits funding
The transfer of space traffic management responsibilities from the military to a civilian agency in the Commerce Department is moving ahead even though Congress has yet to provide funding and authorities.

Space traffic management idling in first gear
Disagreement about which agency should take over civil space traffic management has stymied progress.

U.S. military keeps sharp eyes on orbit as congestion grows
As they prepare for the handover to the Commerce Department, military space watchers and traffic managers face a daunting workload due to increasing congestion in space.